Manchester United manager David Moyes has rejected talk of a feud with Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho.

When both clubs were in Bangkok at the start of their respective pre-season tours of the Far East Mourinho, while claiming discussion of other club’s players was supposed to be off limits, insisted he could not be a “hypocrite” and admitted he liked Wayne Rooney.

This was taken to be the start of a mind games battle between Mourinho and Moyes, which the United boss seemed to endorse when he said “bring it on” after his club had beaten the A League All Stars in Sydney the following week.

Yet Moyes insists there is no conflict between the pair beyond what normally exists between competing managers.

David Moyes ended his Everton career without a major trophy

Instead, the Scot has declared his admiration for Mourinho, in much the same way as Chelsea’s manager spoke positively of Moyes last week.

“Jose Mourinho is a tremendous manager,” said Moyes. “He has done really well in the Premier League.

“Like me, he started doing his coaching badges in Scotland and whilst I wouldn’t say I know him that well, I do know him.”

Indeed, Moyes’ admiration for the charismatic Portuguese extended to offering his sympathies after Mourinho’s exit from Chelsea in 2008.

“I remember when he lost his job I wrote him a letter,” he said. “So, for people to say there is any feud is wrong.

“Of course, you are going to find two really competitive managers. When our teams play we will both be highly committed to make sure our clubs win.